Carib Scope

标签： Dominican Republic

多米尼加共和国

  • Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort opens in the Dominican Republic

    Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort opens in the Dominican Republic

    Miches, Dominican Republic – Grupo Facera has unveiled the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking a historic milestone as the first all-inclusive property under the Curio Collection brand in the Dominican Republic. The grand opening ceremony was graced by President Luis Abinader, alongside government officials, investors, and key stakeholders, signaling a significant boost for the region’s tourism sector.

    Hilton’s leadership lauded the resort as a strategic achievement, blending the brand’s world-class hospitality with the distinctive elegance of the Curio Collection. Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for the Caribbean and Latin America, emphasized that the project sets a new benchmark for regional hospitality, further elevating Miches as an emerging destination.

    For the Ranieri family, founders of Zemi Hotels & Resorts, the opening represents a continuation of their 128-year legacy of investing in Dominican tourism. The resort underscores their commitment to sustainable growth, community development, and creating opportunities for local residents. To date, the project has generated approximately 1,100 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect employment opportunities.

    President Abinader commended the trust placed by international investors and Hilton, while Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted Miches as a rising star in the tourism landscape. He praised Zemi Miches for its unique concept, which draws inspiration from Dominican identity and Taíno heritage, offering a culturally immersive experience.

    Opened to the public in June 2025, Zemi Miches seamlessly integrates contemporary design with Taíno influences, utilizing natural materials and local craftsmanship. Developed with a $225 million investment, supported by financing from Banreservas, the resort promises authentic luxury experiences and positions Miches as a premier destination for travelers seeking excellence and cultural enrichment.

  • Renewing the Covenant 2025 unites over 90 couples in a collective wedding at Grand Bavaro Princess

    Renewing the Covenant 2025 unites over 90 couples in a collective wedding at Grand Bavaro Princess

    Punta Cana witnessed the grand conclusion of the fourth edition of the international congress, *Renewing the Covenant 2025*, organized by the Marriage of Life Ministry of the Breath of Life Christian Center (CCSV). Over the weekend, more than 90 couples from the Dominican Republic and eight other nations—including Colombia, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the United States—gathered for a poignant collective wedding and vow renewal ceremony by the sea at the Grand Bavaro Princess. The event, led by pastors Abraham Velasquez and Bethliza Cintrón, and blessed by Yesenia Then and Joan Bonilla, symbolized healing, restoration, and unity, marking a deeply spiritual and emotional finale to the congress. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in conferences, workshops, and experiential sessions aimed at fortifying marriages through faith-based guidance and biblical principles. *Renewing the Covenant* has established itself as a global platform for couples striving to enhance communication, reaffirm commitment, and foster families rooted in Christian values.

  • 7th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress positions Dominican Republic as regional leader and #19 worldwide

    7th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress positions Dominican Republic as regional leader and #19 worldwide

    The Dominican Republic has solidified its position as a global leader in health and wellness tourism following the successful conclusion of the 7th International Congress on Health and Wellness Tourism in Santo Domingo. Recognized by the Medical Tourism Index as one of the top 20 most trusted destinations worldwide, the country continues to dominate the sector in Central America and the Caribbean. The event, organized by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS) and AF Comunicación Estratégica, brought together over 35 international experts and garnered support from more than 60 organizations. Public Health Minister Dr. Víctor Atallah inaugurated the congress, which featured insightful discussions on health innovation, international accreditation, hospital design, retirement tourism, artificial intelligence, and personalized wellness. Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, ADTS president, and Amelia Reyes Mora emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration, communication, and continuous education in enhancing the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a reliable and competitive destination. The congress underscored the significance of regional cooperation, sustainability, and technological innovation in advancing the sector, reaffirming the country’s commitment to an ethical and sustainable model that elevates its global standing in health and wellness tourism.

  • Government launches support plan for farmers affected by Storm Melissa

    Government launches support plan for farmers affected by Storm Melissa

    In the wake of Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz has disclosed significant damage to approximately 650 kilometers of rural roads, particularly in the highland regions renowned for premium coffee cultivation. The destruction of these inter-parcel roads has severely disrupted the transportation of essential supplies and harvested crops, prompting the government to prioritize the restoration of rural logistics.

  • Dominican Embassy strengthens ties with diaspora in southern Chile

    Dominican Embassy strengthens ties with diaspora in southern Chile

    The Embassy of the Dominican Republic recently embarked on a significant outreach initiative across southern Chile, visiting key locations such as Puerto Montt, Valdivia, and Chiloé. Led by Ambassador Juan Cohen, the delegation aimed to strengthen connections with the Dominican diaspora and reinforce the nation’s presence in the region. The tour adopted a dynamic ‘diplomacy in motion’ approach, engaging directly with the community to address their concerns, aspirations, and proposals. A central focus of the visit was the expansion of mobile consular services, designed to provide government support to Dominicans residing in remote areas. The mission also included a series of cultural and diplomatic activities, such as participation in the IV International Meeting ‘The Rivers to the World’ in Valdivia and the VI Meeting of Cultures in Puerto Montt, which showcased the Dominican Republic’s vibrant Caribbean identity. Additionally, the delegation held strategic meetings with local institutions, including the Presidential Delegation, Fosis, Sernac, and the Social Security Institute, to enhance inter-institutional cooperation and develop initiatives benefiting the Dominican community. The outreach was widely praised by attendees, with residents like Ursula Ramirez expressing gratitude for the unprecedented level of engagement and support from their diplomatic representation.

  • Dominican Republic climbs 11 places in World Justice Project Rule of Law Index

    Dominican Republic climbs 11 places in World Justice Project Rule of Law Index

    The Dominican Republic has demonstrated exceptional progress in fortifying the rule of law, ascending 11 positions to secure the 76th spot out of 143 countries in the 2025 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. This achievement represents the most significant global improvement, with a notable increase of 2.1%. The nation’s overall score advanced from 0.49 to 0.50, underscoring advancements in critical domains such as constraints on governmental authority, civil justice, and criminal justice. The WJP, an autonomous international initiative, assesses the extent to which nations adhere to the principles of the rule of law in everyday life, evaluating factors like corruption absence, justice accessibility, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Luis Henry Molina, President of the Supreme Court, attributed this progress to the relentless efforts of judges and court personnel in fostering a justice system characterized by transparency, efficiency, and a human-centric approach. Criminal justice reforms have been pivotal, with marked enhancements in due process, non-discrimination, procedural efficiency, and corruption mitigation, largely due to the national criminal case management system and collaborative efforts through the Inter-institutional Criminal Justice Roundtable. Additionally, the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and settlements, has significantly alleviated court backlogs and bolstered public confidence. The report ranks the Dominican Republic among the top 16 nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing a consistent trajectory of institutional reinforcement since 2019. The Justice of the Future 2034 vision aims to further cultivate a justice system that is agile, accessible, transparent, and trusted by the populace.

  • Franco-Dominican Chamber to Celebrate France Week 2025 in Santo Domingo

    Franco-Dominican Chamber to Celebrate France Week 2025 in Santo Domingo

    Santo Domingo is set to host France Week from November 12 to 15 at the JW Marriott Hotel, organized by the Franco-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFD). This prestigious event, themed “Blue Economy and Smart Cities,” will bring together over 800 participants, including business leaders, investors, and government officials, to strengthen economic ties between France and the Dominican Republic. The forum will focus on key areas such as sustainable mobility, energy innovation, waste management, and green finance, aiming to foster collaboration and showcase cutting-edge projects. The opening day on November 12 will feature a welcome cocktail to celebrate Franco-Dominican business excellence. On November 13, President Luis Abinader will officially inaugurate the event alongside CCIFD President Eury Vásquez and French representatives. Sessions will highlight technological innovation and the energy transition, followed by a business luncheon led by Minister Ito Bisonó and B2B meetings to connect companies across sectors. The event will conclude on November 15 with a cultural day celebrating French art and elegance, including a conference at the Alliance Française and the Chic à la Française Walk at Blue Mall, offering exclusive activities for visitors. France Week, held biennially, is organized by the CCIFD, a non-profit network of over 210 companies dedicated to promoting economic relations between the two nations. The event is supported by the French Embassy, ProDominicana, Business France, AFD, Proparco, Sofratesa, Aerodom/Vinci Airports, Alstom, Altice Dominicana, and Banco Popular Dominicano, among others.

  • PEPCA uncovers alleged corruption in INTRANT’s RD$1.3 billion traffic light contract

    PEPCA uncovers alleged corruption in INTRANT’s RD$1.3 billion traffic light contract

    The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (PEPCA) has exposed a major corruption scandal involving a RD$1.3 billion contract for the modernization of Santo Domingo’s traffic light system. The contract, awarded by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT), is at the heart of the Operation Chameleon investigation. Prosecutors allege that the tender process, labeled INTRANT-CCC-LPN-2022-0003, was rigged from the outset to favor Transcore Latam SRL, a company reportedly controlled by José Ángel Gómez Canaán (Jochi Gómez) through a series of shell companies.

    According to the indictment, the tender was specifically designed to benefit Transcore Latam, featuring inflated costs that were 1,053% higher than the project’s actual value and technical requirements that effectively barred competitors. Despite being established in 2021 with a mere RD$100,000 in capital and no prior experience in traffic systems, Transcore Latam secured INTRANT’s largest technology contract within a year. Prosecutors claim that documentation presented to the evaluation committee falsely indicated an affiliation with U.S.-based Transcore Holdings, Inc., a connection that does not exist.

    PEPCA further alleges that INTRANT officials, including members of its Procurement and Contracting Committee, collaborated in the scheme under the direction of then-director Hugo Beras. Other bidders were reportedly disqualified for minor issues, ensuring Transcore Latam’s selection. Despite the substantial budget, the modernization project remains unfinished, with much of the equipment unused. Payments totaling RD$489 million by December 2024 were allegedly funneled to companies OML Inversiones SRL and Aurix SAS, both linked to Gómez Canaán.

    Prosecutors have also connected the case to a cyberattack on Santo Domingo’s traffic light network in August 2024, which was traced to a server associated with Transcore Latam. The attack is believed to have been an attempt to erase digital evidence of the contract and financial transfers. While no charges have been filed for the sabotage, PEPCA considers it a crucial element of the ongoing investigation into the financial and technological scheme.

  • Bisonó promotes Dominican free trade zones to Spanish investors

    Bisonó promotes Dominican free trade zones to Spanish investors

    The Dominican Republic’s free trade zone model has been hailed as one of the most robust and dynamic in the region, with exports projected to hit US$8.6 billion by the end of 2024, according to Víctor Bisonó, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs. The sector has already generated over 198,000 direct jobs and 450,000 indirect jobs, contributing 3.1% to the national GDP in the previous year. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, exports surpassed US$5.7 billion, underscoring the country’s growing economic momentum. Bisonó shared these insights during his presentation, ‘Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem in the Dominican Republic,’ held at the Mapfre Foundation as part of Dominican Week in Spain. He emphasized the nation’s transformation into a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and skilled talent, attracting 49 new companies this year. These additions expand the network of 97 industrial parks across diverse sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, premium tobacco, textiles, jewelry, and medical devices. The latter sector boasts world-class firms such as Baxter, Jabil, B. Braun, and Cardinal Health. Bisonó also spotlighted the National Semiconductor Strategy (Decree 324-24), which aims to integrate the Dominican Republic into global microelectronics value chains. Citing the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), he noted the country’s potential to produce printed circuit boards and test components, positioning it as a trusted partner for the United States in advanced manufacturing. Inviting Spanish investors to collaborate, Bisonó described the Dominican Republic as a nation that ‘produces, innovates with purpose, and exports with identity,’ supported by legal stability, robust logistics, and a highly skilled workforce.

  • MIREX honors Juan Luis Guerra as “Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic”

    MIREX honors Juan Luis Guerra as “Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic”

    In a grand celebration of artistic excellence, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) bestowed the title of ‘Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic’ upon the iconic musician and composer Juan Luis Guerra. The event, graced by the presence of First Lady Raquel Arbaje and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, delved into Guerra’s illustrious four-decade career, which has profoundly shaped and elevated Dominican music globally through his innovative contributions to merengue and bachata. Minister Álvarez emphasized that Guerra’s genius transcends his numerous accolades, highlighting his unique ability to encapsulate the Dominican spirit—its humor, faith, and aspirations for justice—in his evocative lyrics. A distinguished panel, moderated by Jochy Herrera and featuring intellectuals Pedro Delgado Malagón, Soledad Álvarez, and César Muñoz, reflected on Guerra’s far-reaching influence, underscoring how his music has resonated with audiences worldwide while showcasing Dominican culture. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Guerra expressed deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating his artistic achievements to his faith and homeland. The ceremony also marked National Merengue Day and National Bachata Day, reaffirming these genres as vital instruments of cultural diplomacy. Attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Juan Luis Guerra, a true ambassador of Dominican artistry.